Apparatus, system and method for loading and offlloading a bulk fluid tanker

ABSTRACT

An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for loading and offloading a bulk fluid tanker. The apparatus to load and offload a bulk fluid tanker includes a housing configured to attach to at least one of a bulk fluid tanker tractor and a bulk fluid tanker trailer. Additionally, the apparatus may include a compressor configured to supply pressurized air for loading and offloading a bulk fluid tank. The compressor may be powered by an auxiliary power generator coupled to the compressor, wherein the auxiliary power generator is independent of a primary tractor engine. The apparatus also include a control module configured to provide control of the auxiliary power generator and the compressor. In a further embodiment, compressor may also include an air reservoir tank configured to hold a predetermined volume of compressed air.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority toU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/838,448 entitled“Utility/Design System for Loading and Off-Loading Bulk Fluid TankerTrucks” and filed on Aug. 18, 2006 for Kent Vincent Cobb, which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to bulk fluid transportation and moreparticularly relates to an apparatus system and method for loading andoffloading a bulk fluid tanker.

2. Description of the Related Art

A typical bulk fluid transport system includes a tanker tractor and atanker trailer. The tractor is generally a large diesel powered trucksuitable for pulling heavy commercial or industrial loads. The tankertrailer typically includes a cylindrical tank suitable for containingvarious fluids. For example, a tanker trailer may contain products suchas water, milk, gasoline, oil, propane, liquid gases, compressed gases,or the like.

Common bulk liquid transport systems utilize the primary motor of thetanker tractor to power a geared or rotary pump for loading andoffloading fluid. In general, the pump is attached to the transmissionof the tractor. A typical system includes a specialized gear box ortransmission attachment that transfers mechanical power from the tractormotor to the pump. Under normal operation, an operator of the typicalsystem sits in the cab of the tractor to engage or monitor the throttlelevel of the tractor's primary motor. The throttle level of thetractor's primary motor determines the pumping rate of the pump.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been developed in response to the presentstate of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems andneeds in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currentlyavailable bulk fluid transport systems. Accordingly, the presentinvention has been developed to provide an apparatus, system, and methodfor loading and offloading a bulk fluid tanker that overcomes many orall of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art.

In one embodiment, the apparatus to load and offload a bulk fluid tankerincludes a housing configured to attach to at least one of a bulk fluidtanker tractor and a bulk fluid tanker trailer. Additionally, theapparatus may include a compressor configured to supply pressurized airfor loading and offloading a bulk fluid tank. The compressor may bepowered by an auxiliary power generator coupled to the compressor,wherein the auxiliary power generator is independent of a primarytractor engine. The apparatus also includes a control module configuredto provide control of the auxiliary power generator and the compressor.In a further embodiment, the compressor may also include an airreservoir tank configured to hold a predetermined volume of compressedair.

The auxiliary power generator may include an auxiliary diesel engineconfigured to supply power to the compressor. Alternatively, theauxiliary power generator is an auxiliary gasoline engine configured tosupply power to the compressor. In a further embodiment, the auxiliarypower generator is configured to supply electrical power to one or moreauxiliary devices.

In one embodiment, the control module includes an automatic throttlecontrol configured to monitor a pressure level in the air reservoirtank, and to disengage the compressor and modify a throttle level of theauxiliary power generator in response to the air reservoir tank reachinga predetermined pressure level. The control module may further include aregulated line-feed pressure control configured to regulate a pressurelevel supplied by the air reservoir tank to an air conduit line.Additionally, the control module may include one or more safety controlsconfigured to release pressure supplied to the air conduit line inresponse to an emergency event. The control module may also include oneor more monitoring instruments configured to provide status informationto an operator.

A system for loading and offloading a bulk fluid tanker is provided. Inone embodiment, the system includes a bulk fluid tank configured to holdup to a predetermined volume of fluid, a pump configured to affect aflow of a fluid conveyed between the bulk fluid tank and an externaltank, and a bulk fluid drive unit. The bulk fluid drive unit may beconfigured to drive the pump. In one embodiment, the bulk fluid driveunit includes a housing configured to attach to at least one of a bulkfluid tanker tractor and a bulk fluid tanker trailer. The bulk fluiddrive unit may also include a compressor configured to supplypressurized air for loading and offloading a bulk fluid tank, and anauxiliary power generator coupled to the compressor, wherein theauxiliary power generator is independent of a primary tractor engine,the auxiliary power generator configured to supply power to thecompressor. In a further embodiment, the bulk fluid drive unit may alsoinclude a control module configured to provide control of the auxiliarypower generator and the compressor.

A method for loading and offloading a bulk fluid tanker is alsoprovided. In one embodiment, the method includes supplying power tocompress air, wherein the supply of power is provided independent of aprimary tractor engine. The method may additionally include compressingair, wherein the compressed air drives the flow of fluid between a bulkfluid tank and an external tank. In a further embodiment, the method mayinclude providing control of a level of pressure of the compressed airand of the flow of fluid between the bulk fluid tank and the externaltank. The method may also include driving a fluid pump, wherein thefluid pump affects the flow of fluid between a bulk fluid tank and anexternal tank.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, orsimilar language does not imply that all of the features and advantagesthat may be realized with the present invention should be or are in anysingle embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to thefeatures and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature,advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language,throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to thesame embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics ofthe invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that theinvention may be practiced without one or more of the specific featuresor advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additionalfeatures and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments thatmay not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

These features and advantages of the present invention will become morefully apparent from the following description and appended claims, ormay be learned by the practice of the invention as set forthhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readilyunderstood, a more particular description of the invention brieflydescribed above will be rendered by reference to specific embodimentsthat are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that thesedrawings depict only certain embodiments of the invention and are nottherefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the inventionwill be described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of asystem for loading and offloading a bulk fluid tanker;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of anapparatus for loading and offloading a bulk fluid tanker;

FIG. 3 is a front view diagram illustrating one embodiment of anapparatus for loading and offloading a bulk fluid tanker;

FIG. 4 is a front view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a controlmodule;

FIG. 5 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment ofa method for loading and offloading a bulk fluid tanker; and

FIG. 6 is a detailed schematic flow chart diagram illustrating oneembodiment of a method for loading and offloading a bulk fluid tanker.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” andsimilar language throughout this specification may, but do notnecessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics ofthe invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details areprovided, such as examples of programming, software modules, userselections, network transactions, database queries, database structures,hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide athorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled inthe relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may bepracticed without one or more of the specific details, or with othermethods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances,well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown ordescribed in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a system 100 for bulk fluid transport.The depicted embodiment includes a tanker tractor 102 and a tankertrailer 104. The tanker trailer 104 may include a bulk fluid tank 106.Additionally, the system 100 may include a fluid drive unit 108.Although the fluid drive unit 108 may load fluid into the bulk fluidtank 106, and offload fluid from the bulk fluid tank 106, the fluiddrive unit 108 is referred to herein as “the drive unit 108” forsimplicity. The system 100 may additionally include a fluid pump 110. Infurther embodiments, the system 100 may include various hoses 114-118,fittings 112, and the like.

The tanker tractor 102 may pull the tanker trailer 104 to transportfluid stored in the bulk fluid tank 106. In one embodiment, the tankertractor 102 is a diesel transport vehicle. Alternatively, the tankertractor 102 may include a gasoline driven truck. In an alternativeembodiment, the system 100 may include a straight body tank truck, wherethe bulk fluid tank 106 is mounted directly to the chassis of a truck102. In such an embodiment, the tanker trailer 104 may be omitted fromthe system 100.

The tanker trailer 104 may include a full trailer configured withmultiple axels. Alternatively, the tanker trailer 104 may include asemi-trailer, where the front end of the trailer is carried by one ormore rear axels of the tanker tractor 102. In such an embodiment, thetanker trailer 104 may be connected to the tanker tractor 102 using afifth-wheel assembly. Alternatively, the tanker trailer 104 may beconnected to the tanker tractor 102 by a hitch.

The bulk fluid tank 106 may be coupled to the chassis of the tankertrailer 104. The bulk fluid tank 106 may be configured to carry variousfluids. For example, in dairy applications, the bulk fluid tank 106 maycarry dairy products such as milk or cream. Alternatively, the bulkfluid tank 106 may carry flammable or hazardous fluids such as petroleumproducts.

The drive unit 108 may facilitate loading fluid onto the bulk fluid tank106. For example, in an embodiment where the pump 110 is a pneumaticdriven pump, such as an air rotary pump, or double diaphragm pump, thedrive unit 108 may supply compressed air to the pump 110. In oneembodiment, the drive unit 108 may supply the compressed air through anair hose 118. The drive unit 108 may also supply compressed air to thebulk fluid tank 106 for pressurized offloading of fluid. For example,the drive unit 108 may supply compressed air sufficient to raise theinternal pressure of the bulk fluid tank 106 to 25-35 Pounds per SquareInch (PSI). The increase in internal pressure of the bulk fluid tank 106may force fluid out of the tank 106 through a hose 114.

In another embodiment, the bulk fluid tank 106 may include an openingwith a hose fitting 112. A hose 114 may attach to the fitting 112 on oneend and to a pump 110 on the other end. The pump 110 may also connect toa second hose 116, which may connect to a separate fluid tank (notshown). In such an embodiment, the pump 110 may be driven by the driveunit 108. For example, if the pump 110 is pneumatically driven, such asa double diaphragm pump 110, the drive unit 108 may supply compressedair to the pump 110 through an air hose 118. In an alternativeembodiment, the pump 110 may include an electric rotary motor. In suchan embodiment, the drive unit 108 may supply electric power to the pump110. In another alternative embodiment, the drive unit 108 may supplymechanical power to drive the pump 110. For example, the drive unit 108may include an auxiliary engine. The auxiliary engine is discussed ingreater detail below. In such an example, the pump 110 may be coupled tothe drive shaft of the auxiliary engine using a drive belt, chain, driveshaft, or the like.

In certain additional embodiments, the drive unit 108 may includeauxiliary components such as work lights 122, a hose rack 120, orauxiliary power outlets (not shown) for powering other components on thetanker tractor 102. For example, the drive unit 108 may power an airconditioning or heating unit for the cab of the tanker tractor 102. Thedrive unit 108 may power these auxiliary components when the primaryengine of the tanker tractor 102 is not in operation.

In a further embodiment, a second air hose 124 may couple the drive unitto the bulk fluid tank 106. In such an embodiment, the second air hose124 is used to fill the bulk fluid tank 106 with air for pressurizingthe bulk fluid tank 106 and forcing fluid out of the tank 106. Forexample, the drive unit 108 may provide sufficient compressed airthrough the second air hose 124 to the bulk fluid tank to pressurize thebulk fluid tank 106 to a pressure level ranging from twenty-three (23)psi to thirty-two (32) psi. In such an embodiment, the excess pressurein the bulk fluid tank 106 may force fluid from the tank 106 through theoffloading hose 114. This embodiment may not require the use of a pump110 which may reduce the weight and size of the equipment required tooffload the fluid. Indeed, one benefit of the present system 100 is itsflexibility and modularity. A user of the system 100 need only carry thepump 110 when its use is anticipated.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a drive unit108. The drive unit 108 may include a housing 202, a compressor 204, anauxiliary power generator 206, and a control module 208. In oneembodiment, the drive unit 108 may provide compressed air or powersufficient to drive a pump 110 for loading and offloading bulk fluidsfrom the bulk fluid tank 106. Additionally, the drive unit 108 mayprovide compressed air for cleaning and maintenance of the tanker truck102, the tanker trailer 104, and other components of the tanker system100.

The housing 202 may include a cabinet style housing 202 configured tomount behind a cab of a tanker tractor 102. In such an embodiment, thehousing may include one or more access doors or panels. Alternatively,the housing may include a saddle mounted box, or cylinder configured toattach to the tanker tractor 102, or the tanker trailer 104. The housingmay provide environmental and safety protection for other components ofthe drive unit 108. Additionally, the housing 202 may include one ormore storage compartments.

The compressor 204 may supply compressed air for operating the pump 110,for pressurizing the bulk fluid tank 106, and for cleaning andmaintenance of the tanker tractor 102 and tanker trailer 104. In oneembodiment, the compressor may provide a variable rate of air flow.Further embodiments of the compressor are described with relation toFIG. 3 below.

The auxiliary power generator 206 may generate power for operating thecompressor 204, for operating the pump 110, or for operating auxiliarycomponents. In one embodiment, the auxiliary power generator 206 mayinclude a diesel engine. Alternatively, a gasoline engine may be used.Preferably, the engine used for the auxiliary power generator 206 is ten(10) horsepower or less. For example, an engine between five (5) and ten(10) horsepower may be used. In an alternative embodiment, the auxiliarypower generator 206 may include a solar panel system, a battery bank, ahydrogen cell system, or the like. One benefit of the auxiliary powergenerator 206 is reduced fuel consumption. Whereas a typical pump drivesystem requires a full 300 to 500+ horsepower tractor engine to power amechanically driven pump, the present embodiment only requires a smallfive (5) to fifteen (15) horsepower engine. The resulting fuel costsavings may be considerable. Furthermore, use of auxiliary powergenerator 206 may reduce exhaust emissions as compared with typicalsystems.

The control module 208 may be configured to provide user controls andmonitoring information for the auxiliary power generator 206, thecompressor 204, or both. The control module 208 may include one or morebuttons, levers, actuators, gauges, switches, dials, or the like.Specific examples of the control panel are discussed with reference toFIG. 4. One benefit of a centralized control module 208 is that theoperator may control the majority of the operations of the system 100from a single position, whereas typical systems require the operator toconstantly enter and exit the cab of the tractor 102.

FIG. 3 illustrates a specific embodiment of a drive unit 108. In thedepicted embodiment, the drive unit includes a rectangular housing 202.In the depicted embodiment, the housing 202 mounts behind the cab of thetanker tractor 102, in a so-called “cab guard” position. Specifically,the housing 202 may include one or more mounting brackets 314 forconnecting the housing 202 to the chassis of the tanker tractor 102. Themounting brackets 314 may be configured to be substantially universallymountable on various frames of tractors and trucks. A benefit of thepresent embodiment is the mobility and flexibility of the drive unit108. For example, using the mounting brackets 314, the drive unit 108may be mounted on any standard truck or tractor 102 capable of pulling atanker trailer 104. The drive unit 108 would enable conversion of atractor 102 into a suitable tanker tractor 102 without requiringmodification of the engine or drive components of the tractor 102itself. The only substantial modification may be mounting the drive unit108 using the mounting brackets 314 which may require considerably lesstime and complexity.

The housing 202 may include doors or access panels (not shown). Thehousing 202 may additionally include a hose rack 120 for convenientlyhanging hoses 114-118 during transport. In a further embodiment, thehousing 202 may include one or more storage shelves 316 for storingauxiliary system components, such as buckets, gloves, fittings, straps,and the like. The housing 202 may be constructed of metal, such as steelor aluminum.

In the depicted embodiment, the drive unit 108 includes an auxiliarypower generator 206. In this embodiment, the auxiliary power generator206 is a small horsepower engine. For example, in one specificembodiment, the power generator 206 may include a 10 horsepower dieselengine. In such an embodiment, the auxiliary power generator 206 mayshare a fuel tank with the primary engine of the tanker tractor 102, sono additional fuel storage would be required. In a further embodiment,the engine may be coupled to the ignition battery of the primary tractorengine.

In one embodiment, the engine may be coupled to a power generator togenerate electrical power. For example, the engine may be coupled to analternator motor using an alternator belt. Thus the engine may providemechanical power to generate electrical power sufficient to operate thecompressor, the pump, and/or other auxiliary components of the system100.

In one embodiment, the drive unit 108 also includes a compressor 204. Inthe depicted embodiment, the compressor 204 is a V-type configuration.The compressor 204 may be mechanically coupled to the drive shaft 304 ofthe engine 206 using a drive belt 308, drive chain, drive shaft, or thelike. In such an embodiment, the compressor may be mechanically poweredby the power generator 206. Similarly, the compressor 204 may include afly-wheel 306 coupled to a shaft configured to drive one or morecompression heads. Alternatively, the compressor 204 may include anindependent electric motor, where the electric motor is electricallycoupled to the auxiliary power generator 206. In one specificembodiment, the compressor may include a five (5) horsepower one hundred(100) psi compressor cable compressing twenty (20) Cubic Feet per Minute(CFM).

The compressor 204 may include, or may be coupled to an air reservoirtank 302. In a particular embodiment, the air reservoir tank 302 mayhave a twenty (20) to thirty (30) gallon capacity. Varying tank volumesmay be used, depending on system requirements. In a further embodiment,the air reservoir tank 302 may be configured to withstand an internalpressure of one hundred and fifty (150) psi. The air reservoir tank 302may additionally include a pressure release valve for safety. The airreservoir tank 302 may also include a condensation bleed valve tominimize oxidization of the tank. Additionally, the air reservoir mayinclude a one way valve coupled to an air line 310 from the compressor204. The air reservoir tank 302 may further include an air outletcoupled to an outlet hose 312.

In a further embodiment, the drive unit 108 may include a control module208. Referring now to FIG. 4, the control module 208 may include anignition switch 402 configured to start the auxiliary power generator206. In a particular embodiment, the ignition switch 402 may require akey 404 to start the auxiliary power generator 206.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a control module 208. The controlmodule 208 may be coupled to the housing 202. For example, the controlmodule 208 may include a plate or panel configured to mount to thehousing 202. In one embodiment, the control module 208 may be mountedwithin the housing 202. Alternatively, the control module 208 may becoupled to the exterior of the housing 202. In a further embodiment, thecontrol module 208 may be separate from the housing 202. For example thecontrol module 208 may include a remote control device, a cab mountdevice, or the like.

The control module 208 may include various control knobs, controllevers, control buttons, measurement gauges, and the like. In a furtherembodiment, the control module 208 may include automated controldevices. For example, the control module 208 may include an automaticthrottle control (not shown). The automatic throttle control may receivea feedback signal from one or more measurement devices. For example, theautomatic throttle control may receive a feedback signal from a pressuremeasurement device configured to monitor a pressure level in the airreservoir tank 302. In one embodiment, the automatic throttle controlmay trigger a valve to open in response to the pressure level of thereservoir tank 302 reaching a predetermined pressure level. Opening thevalve may cause the compression heads to lose compression. Additionally,where the auxiliary power generator 206 is an engine, the automaticthrottle control may cause the engine 304 to idle or to reduce thethrottle level. The automatic throttle control may be used inconjunction with either a gasoline engine or a diesel engine.

In a further embodiment, the control module 208 may include a manualengine throttle control 422. The manual engine throttle control 422 mayinclude a lever, knob, mechanical actuator, or the like. The manualthrottle control 422 may enable a system user to manually adjust athrottle level of the auxiliary power generator 206. In a furtherembodiment, when the auxiliary power generator 206 is an engine, thecontrol module 208 may include a gauge configured to monitor a rotationspeed of the crank shaft 304 of the engine 206.

Further embodiments of the control module 208 may include one or morepressure gauges 408, 410, 412. For example, the control module 208 mayinclude an air reservoir tank pressure gauge 410 configured to indicatea level of air pressure in the air reservoir tank 302. Additionally, thecontrol module 208 may include an air line pressure gauge 408 configuredto indicate a pressure level of an air line 118. In a furtherembodiment, the control module 208 may include a fluid tank pressuregauge 412 configured to indicate a pressure level inside the bulk fluidtank 106.

The air reservoir pressure gauge 410, and the air line pressure gauge412 may facilitate regulation of air flow through the air line hose 118.For example, the control module may include an air flow regulator (notshown). The air flow regulator may include a regulator control knob 406.An operator may adjust a level of air flow in the air line hose 118 byturning the regulator control knob 406. The air line pressure gauge 410may indicate a pressure level in the air line hose 118. The pressurelevel may correspond to a level of air flow. The level of air flow maybe regulated by the air flow regulator.

The air line hose 118 may be connected to one of the air hose fittings418, 420. In one embodiment, the air hose fittings 418, 420 may includeChicago style fittings. Other embodiments may include other styles offittings for adapting to various hose configurations. The air hosefittings 418, 420 maybe coupled to the air outlet hose 312. In a furtherembodiment, an air flow regulator may be connected between the air hosefittings 418, 420 and the air outlet hose 312. In such an embodiment,the air flow regulator may adjust the rate of air flow supplied to anair hose connected to the air hose fitting 418, 420.

In one particular embodiment, an air hose fitting 418 may be dedicatedto filling the bulk fluid tank 106 with compressed air. In such anembodiment, air may be supplied to the bulk fluid tank 106 when a valveis opened. The valve may be operated by a valve handle 416. The valvehandle 416 may be rotated to open or close the valve. In one embodiment,when the valve handle 416 is rotated so that the valve is open, air issupplied from the air reservoir tank 302 to the bulk fluid tank 106using an air line hose 118. When the valve handle 416 is rotated so thatthe valve is closed, the bulk fluid tank pressure gauge 412 may indicatethe level of air pressure in the bulk fluid tank 106. In a furtherembodiment, the control module 208 may include a second line controlvalve coupled to a valve handle 414. The second line control valve maycontrol the rate of flow to the second air hose fitting 420.

Finally, the control module 208 may include an emergency shut off button424. The emergency shut off button 424 may shut down the entire driveunit 108. Alternatively, the emergency shut off button 424 may force allline control valves closed, which may cut off air flow from the driveunit 108. In a further embodiment, the emergency shut off button 424 mayopen compression valves on the compressor 204 and the auxiliary powergenerator 206. Alternatively, the emergency shut off button 424 maydisable the auxiliary power generator 206 or disconnect the compressor204 from the auxiliary power generator 206. Various other safetyfeatures may be triggered by pressing the emergency shut off button 424.

Although some specific embodiments of components of the control module208 have been illustrated and discussed, these embodiments are notintended to limit the scope of the control module 208. Rather, theseembodiments have been discussed merely for illustrative purposes and todemonstrate certain possible combinations of control features that maybe incorporated into a control module 208.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a method 500 for loading andoffloading a bulk fluid tank 106. In one embodiment, the method startswhen the auxiliary power generator 206 supplies 502 power to thecompressor 204. The compressor 204 may then compress 504 air. Forexample, the compressor 204 may compress 504 air into an air reservoirtank 302, where the air is compressed to a pressure of approximately 120psi. The method 500 may additionally include providing 506 control ofthe pressure level of the compressed air. For example, the controlmodule 208 may include an air pressure control, or a regulator 406 forregulating the air pressure within the air reservoir tank 302 or theline pressure of the air hose 118. In a specific embodiment, the flow ofcompressed air may drive the flow of fluid between the bulk fluid tank106 and an external tank (not shown). Specifically, the rate of air flowmay determine a pumping rate of the fluid pump 110.

In a further embodiment, a method 600 may include deciding 602 whetherfluid is to be loaded into the bulk fluid tank 106, or offloaded fromthe bulk fluid tank. If fluid is to be offloaded 602, then the pump 110may be configured 604 to offload fluid from the bulk fluid tank 106.Specifically, the hose 114 connecting the bulk fluid tank 106 to thepump 110 may be coupled to a suction port of the pump 110. The driveunit 108 may then be configured to drive 606 the fluid pump 110, whichmay pump fluid out of the bulk fluid tank 106. In one specificembodiment, the air line 118 may be connected to a Chicago fitting onthe control unit 208 of the drive unit 108, and to a pneumatic driveline of the fluid pump 110. The regulator 406 may then be adjusted sothat a line pressure sufficient to operate the pump 110 is reached onthe air line 118. The compressed air may be drawn from the air reservoirtank 302, and the compressor 204 may refill the air reservoir tank 302as compressed air is drawn by the pump 110.

In an alternative embodiment, the pump 110 may be configured 608 to load602 fluid onto the bulk fluid tank 106. For example, the hose 112 may beconnected to a port of the pump 110 that is opposite the port used foroffloading. The drive unit 108 may then drive 610 the pump 110 to loadfluid onto the bulk fluid tanker 610 by supplying compressed air to theair line 118 connected to the pump 110.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

1. An apparatus to load and offload a bulk fluid tanker, the apparatuscomprising: a housing configured to attach to at least one of a bulkfluid tanker tractor and a bulk fluid tanker trailer; a compressordisposed within the housing, the compressor configured to supplypressurized air for loading and offloading a bulk fluid tank; anauxiliary power generator coupled to the compressor, wherein theauxiliary power generator is independent of a primary tractor engine,the auxiliary power generator configured to supply power to thecompressor; and a control module coupled to one of the compressor andthe auxiliary power generator, the control module configured to providecontrol of the auxiliary power generator and the compressor.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the compressor further comprises an airreservoir tank configured to hold a predetermined volume of compressedair.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary power generatorfurther comprises an auxiliary diesel engine configured to supply powerto the compressor.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the auxiliarypower generator further comprises an auxiliary gasoline engineconfigured to supply power to the compressor.
 5. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the auxiliary power generator is further configured to supplyelectrical power to one or more auxiliary devices.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein the control module further comprises an automaticthrottle control configured to monitor a pressure level in the airreservoir tank, and to disengage the compressor and modify a throttlelevel of the auxiliary power generator in response to the air reservoirtank reaching a predetermined pressure level.
 7. The apparatus of claim2, wherein the control module further comprises a regulated line-feedpressure control configured to regulate a pressure level supplied by theair reservoir tank to an air conduit line.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7,wherein the control module further comprises one or more safety controlsconfigured to release pressure supplied to the air conduit line inresponse to an emergency event.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thecontrol module further comprises one or more monitoring instrumentsconfigured to provide status information to an operator.
 10. A system toload and offload a bulk fluid tanker, the system comprising: a bulkfluid tank configured to hold up to a predetermined volume of fluid; apump coupled to the bulk fluid tank, the pump configured to affect aflow of a fluid conveyed between the bulk fluid tank and an externaltank; and a bulk fluid drive unit configured to couple to at least oneof the bulk fluid tank and the pump, the bulk fluid drive unitcomprising: a housing configured to attach to at least one of a bulkfluid tanker tractor and a bulk fluid tanker trailer; a compressordisposed within the housing, the compressor configured to supplypressurized air for loading and offloading a bulk fluid tank; anauxiliary power generator coupled to the compressor, wherein theauxiliary power generator is independent of a primary tractor engine,the auxiliary power generator configured to supply power to thecompressor; and a control module coupled to one of the compressor andthe auxiliary power generator, the control module a configured toprovide control of the auxiliary power generator and the compressor. 11.The system of claim 10, wherein the compressor further comprises an airreservoir tank configured to hold a predetermined volume of compressedair, and wherein the air reservoir is configured to supply compressedair to drive the pump.
 12. The system of claim 10, wherein the auxiliarypower generator further comprises an auxiliary diesel engine configuredto supply power for driving the pump.
 13. The system of claim 10,wherein the auxiliary power generator further comprises an auxiliarygasoline engine configured to supply power for driving the pump.
 14. Thesystem of claim 10, wherein the auxiliary power generator is furtherconfigured to supply electrical power to one or more auxiliary devices.15. The system of claim 12, wherein the control module further comprisesan automatic throttle control configured to monitor a pressure level inthe air reservoir tank, and to disengage the compressor and modify athrottle level of the auxiliary power generator in response to the airreservoir tank reaching a predetermined pressure level.
 16. The systemof claim 12, wherein the control module further comprises a regulatedline-feed pressure control configured to regulate a pressure levelsupplied by the air reservoir tank to an air conduit line.
 17. Thesystem of claim 17, wherein the control module further comprises one ormore safety controls configured to release pressure supplied to the airconduit line in response to an emergency event.
 18. The system of claim11, wherein the control module further comprises one or more monitoringinstruments configured to provide status information to an operator. 19.A method for loading and offloading a bulk fluid tanker, the methodcomprising: supplying power to compress air, wherein the supply of poweris provided independent of a primary tractor engine; compressing air,wherein the compressed air drives the flow of fluid between a bulk fluidtank and an external tank; and providing control of a level of pressureof the compressed air and of the flow of fluid between the bulk fluidtank and the external tank.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein themethod comprises driving a fluid pump, wherein the fluid pump affectsthe flow of fluid between a bulk fluid tank and an external tank.